In a move that shocked many around the Dallas Mavericks organization and the NBA at large, longtime director of health and performance Casey Smith was dismissed after the 2023 season. Smith, who had been with the Mavericks for 21 years, played a crucial role in player development, injury management, and overall team culture during his two-decade tenure. His sudden departure raised eyebrows — and new reporting from ESPN’s Tim MacMahon has shed light on the internal dynamics that led to the move.
According to MacMahon, a source close to the situation claimed that Mavericks GM Nico Harrison felt “threatened” by Smith’s long-standing influence within the organization. That perception, the source said, played a major role in the decision to part ways with a figure considered by many players and staff to be a pillar of stability.
A Trusted Figure in Dallas
Smith wasn’t just any staff member. He served as the team’s head athletic trainer for years before transitioning into a more holistic health and performance role. Widely respected around the league, Smith was known for his strong relationships with players and his deep knowledge of sports science and injury prevention. He was a key figure in managing the health of stars like Dirk Nowitzki and Luka Dončić, often acting as a bridge between the medical staff and the coaching/front office.
“Casey was someone the players trusted with everything,” one former Mavs player told ESPN. “He was always straight with us, always had our backs.”
His dismissal left some within the organization questioning the direction of the franchise under Harrison, who joined the Mavericks as general manager in 2021 after a successful executive career with Nike.
Internal Tensions Bubble to the Surface
While Harrison has been praised for his modern approach and relationships with key players — particularly Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving — his front office tenure has not been without friction. Several sources suggest that Harrison viewed Smith as having outsized influence in areas beyond his official job description, often speaking directly with ownership and advocating for players’ interests in ways that sometimes clashed with the front office’s vision.
“It became a power dynamic,” said one league source. “Casey had been there forever, and some people didn’t like how much Mark Cuban and the players listened to him.”
That perception — whether entirely accurate or not — reportedly made Harrison uncomfortable. The decision to let Smith go, then, may have been as much about consolidating control as it was about making structural changes in the performance department.
A Shift in Organizational Culture?
Smith’s exit is just one of several recent changes under Harrison’s leadership. The Mavericks have restructured their medical and training staff, brought in new performance consultants, and made additional front office hires in an effort to modernize operations. But with these shifts have come questions about institutional knowledge, continuity, and player trust.
Notably, neither the Mavericks nor Harrison have publicly commented on the reasons behind Smith’s departure. The team issued a brief statement last summer thanking him for his service and wishing him well.
Still, the optics of dismissing a 21-year veteran — especially one so deeply embedded in player wellness — suggest deeper organizational tensions that go beyond typical staff turnover.
Looking Ahead
For Mavericks fans, the hope is that the changes lead to better on-court results, especially after an up-and-down 2023 season that saw the team miss the playoffs entirely. For others inside and outside the organization, Smith’s departure may be viewed as a cautionary tale about the clash between legacy and new leadership in the modern NBA.
As the Mavericks continue to reshape their identity, the ripple effects of this move — and the reasons behind it — may linger far longer than the headlines.
